Persuasion 2

A
Say all the sentences below without the words in brackets.
1 2 3 4 5

7.6

Business Builder Teacher Resource Series

Worksheet

(It seems to me that) four months is (a bit) optimistic. Our prices are (relatively) more expensive, but (I think that) the quality justifies the (small) additional cost. (Actually,) our reputation in the industry is (extremely) good. (To some extent) our share price is (a little) overvalued, but I dont think its a significant factor. (Of course) every company has suffered from the recent recession, but (on the whole I feel) we have done (very) well to maintain our market share at 10%.

Now say the sentences again, this time with the words in brackets. What is the effect?

Study the sentences below. First identify the main idea. Then put brackets round extra words and phrases that are just used to emphasize and minimize this main idea.
1 2 3 4 5 6 Weve had a very good year, in fact weve had an excellent year. There is some truth in that, but I feel that youre exaggerating a little. Perhaps well go just a bit over budget, but Im 100% certain that well get the job done. In relation to inflation, I tend to think the outlook is quite good. Basically, our economy is healthy very healthy. Next year well recruit substantially more graduates, and whats more, theyll come from the local markets where we operate.

Write a short presentation on any subject you feel strongly about. Practise using a variety of techniques to persuade your audience that you are right.
Emphasizing a point (giving it more importance) Emphasizing a point Adding a second point Repeating more strongly Actually, ... In fact, ... Basically, ... To put it simply, ... Whats more, ... Besides (that), ... In addition (to that), ... Its fast. In fact, its one of the fastest on the market

Minimizing a point (giving it less importance) Minimizing a point Using but as a balance I think ... I feel ... I tend to think ... It seems to me that ... To some extent ..., but ... Perhaps ..., but on the whole

Emphasizing/minimizing nouns ++ a substantial (investment) a considerable (risk) a major (decision) + a significant (factor) an important (opportunity) - a small (mistake) a slight (difference of opinion) a bit of a (change) Emphasizing/minimizing comparative adjectives ++ substantially/considerably/much (more expensive) + significantly/relatively (cheaper) - marginally/a little/slightly (smaller)

Paul Emmerson 1999. Published by Macmillan Heinemann English Language Teaching

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